Many who are unsure of the actual name of the Collie, will still be able to point it out as "lassie", the well-loved television series that made the breed popular among many. It is renowned for it's alertness and sociability.

Appearance - The Collie was originally bred to help with sheep herding and still exhibit a strong, protective instinct. Their guarding skills make them excellent family dogs. Some Collies can be high-strung and nervous, depending on their lineage, but for the most part, they are intelligent and diligent protectors. The Collie is a member of the AKC Herding Group. Weighing 55 to 80 pounds, these dogs can stand 22 to 26 inches tall.

The Collie is an energetic breed and is known for its perseverance. These strong and graceful animals have almond-shaped eyes that sparkle with intelligence and understanding. The eyes can be brown or blue. The Collie can either have a smooth coat or a rough coat, and the rough Collies have a fuller coat. They come in sable and white, tricolor and blue merle markings.

Characteristics - These dogs are not good with apartments since they love to spend most of their time outside. A family that is outgoing and energetic, and in the possession of a relatively big back yard would be the ideal situation for a Collie. These dogs are friendly and outgoing, taking their duties as watchdog very seriously. They will sound an alert if there are strange humans or creatures. The do bite gently or nip at heels of the young kids to prevent the children from straying in the wrong direction.

Puppies of this breed are extremely smart and can prove to be a handful as they can be stubborn and get into trouble. Puppy obedience classes work well for them and they learn to socialize at an early age. They need strong discipline up front about what is and is not allowed in your household.

Health Problems and Grooming Issues - There are a few issues associated with the Collie. They can suffer from eye problems or PRA. More likely is the possibility of taking your puppy or dog to the vet for jumping from a moving vehicle or exploring his surroundings than for a health problem.

Collies love to eat, so you must be careful that the dog does not become overweight and suffer medical problems associated with too much food. They enjoy three small meals a day.

Although it has long hair, it does not need as much grooming as one might think. Nevertheless, the dog's coat should be brushed consistently to avoid tangles. This intelligent dog can protect your family and give you years of happiness and attention, making it the perfect pet for you.

Moses Wright loves dog and started a web site to share tips and resources on different dog breeds here: http://www.petquery.com/dog_breed/index.htm